The music of Austrian composer Gustav Mahler is indeed an awesome aural experience, but the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music’s (MSM) presentation of his “Symphony No. 2, Resurrection” will also offer a visual spectacle.

With a 125-member orchestra on stage, brass players positioned in catwalks above the audience and 200 vocalists on hand, the performance will be a feast for both the eyes and ears. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 28, in the Moores Opera House.

The symphony will be performed by a collection of MSM talents, including the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Chorale, Concert Women’s Chorus, University Men’s/Women’s Choruses and members of the Houston Symphony Chorus. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. To make reservations, call the school’s ticket office at 713-743-3313.

This five-movement narrative piece focuses on themes of death, remembrance, loss of faith, rebirth and spiritual reawakening. It debuted in 1895 in Berlin with Mahler conducting the Berlin Symphonic Orchestra. Its American debut was in 1908 in New York City.

“This is a very dramatic piece,” said Franz Krager, MSM director of orchestras. “The sheer emotion of the music combined with the visual impact of all of the musicians will make for an unforgettable evening of music.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu